Sinn Féin Leader Gerry Adams TD has said he hopes that the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Flanagan will refocus and re-invigorate the Irish Government's approach to the Peace Process.

Mr Adams also called for Mr Flanagan to hold urgent meetings with Israeli and Palestinian representatives about the current situation in the Middle East.

Speaking today Gerry Adams said:

"I welcome the appointment of Charles Flanagan TD as Minister for Foreign Affairs and wish him well in this important post.

"I hope Minister Flanagan will be part of a drive to refocus and re-invigorate the Irish Government's approach to the peace process.

"The fact that this year's Twelfth commemorations have passed off relatively peacefully will have come as a relief to people across the North, and I welcome this.

"However there is urgent political work to be done to deal with ongoing difficulties which have bedevilled the political process.

"These include outstanding elements of previous Agreements and the need to resolve the issues of flags, parades and dealing with the past.

Mr Adams also called on the Irish Government to use its influence to bring an end to violence in the Middle East.

He said:

"Irish citizens have be horrified in recent days at the suffering inflicted on the civilian population of Gaza, which has been subjected to relentless Israeli military bombardment resulting in the slaughter of men, women and children.

"There is a need for the Irish Government to use its influence to press for an immediate end to the hostilities in the Middle East.

"I would appeal directly to Minister Flanagan to seek a meeting with the Israeli and Palestinian Ambassadors towards that end."